PRESS RELEASE
Roseau, Thursday, 16th April 2026: Dominica Electricity Services Limited (DOMLEC) is advising customers of an increase in the fuel surcharge applicable to electricity bills for April 2026 consumption, which will be reflected on bills issued in May 2026.
The fuel surcharge, which is published monthly, is calculated using the previous month’s energy consumption along with the cost of fuel. For the first time, the company is introducing the addition of a geothermal energy cost. As such, the April surcharge is based on March 2026 energy sales, fuel costs, and limited geothermal generation.
DOMLEC’s General Manager Dwayne Cenac explained that several factors have contributed to the increase.
“The fuel surcharge for April 2026 has increased to $0.50 per kilowatt-hour, primarily driven by a sharp rise in global fuel prices. Our average fuel cost has increased by approximately 33% since January, largely due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East,” he stated.
This increase in surcharge costs can be seen from February 2026. In December 2025, hydro generation accounted for approximately 35% of total energy production, contributing to a surcharge of $0.32 in January 2026. However, seasonal variability resulted in hydro production returning to its more typical levels of approximately 25.5% in March, resulting in surcharges of $0.36 in February and $0.37 in March, respectively.
Although geothermal energy has now been introduced into the system, its contribution remains limited at this stage.
“While we have begun receiving geothermal energy, the plant is still in its commissioning phase and currently contributes a small portion of our overall energy mix. In March, geothermal accounted for approximately 6.1% of total energy production. As production increases over time, we expect this to play a greater role in stabilising electricity costs,” the General Manager added.
DOMLEC emphasises that the primary driver of the April increase remains the significant rise in fuel prices.
Customers are encouraged to actively manage their electricity usage during this period. The company expects they will soon be able to take advantage of time-of-use billing, where rates will be reduced during off-peak periods- late evenings to early morning.
“We urge all customers to conserve energy where possible as we continue our transition from a diesel-dependent system to one that is increasingly powered by renewable energy. These efforts will not only help to manage individual electricity costs but also support a more sustainable energy future for Dominica,” advised Mr. Cenac.
DOMLEC advises the public that the company remains committed to improving the reliability, sustainability, and affordability of electricity through ongoing investments in renewable energy and system efficiency.